Living Wetlands

Investigate in and around the wetland.

Wetlands are a special place. Explore the biodiversity of the Kings Park Kooyar Kep (frog water). Pond dip for macro-invertebrates, use identification keys and record findings to make predictions as to the health of the wetland. Students will use scientific inquiry skills to carry out a habitat assessment. Consider the food chains and life cycles of the animals found in the Kooyar Kep Wetland.

'Perfect hands on science experience in a natural habitat.' - Year 3 / 4 Teacher

Students will:

  • Observe the biodiversity of an aquatic ecosystem.
  • Collect, count, and identify different species of macroinvertebrates.
  • Learn about the life cycles of various aquatic insects.
  • Discuss the interdependence of organisms in the wetland ecosystems (food chains and webs).
  • Collect and measure water quality data and infer the health the wetland.
    Fee Structure

    Primary School Programs (Kindergarten to Year 6) 

    $10 per student

    $150 minimum booking fee

    • All prices include GST
    • Minimum booking fees apply
    • Teachers and supervising adults are free of charge
    • Payment can be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or credit card
    • You will receive an email confirming your booking once we have received and processed your completed application form
    •  You will receive a tax invoice within one week of your excursion.  Please confirm any changes to student numbers before the day of your excursion
    • Kings Park Education reserves the right to cancel a booking at any time 

    Please note during school term-time group visits to Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park must be in conjunction with a Kings Park Education program booking.     

    1. Select your program and preferred date 
    2. Email your enquiry to the Kings Park Education Booking Officer 
      Please include the year group and number of students
    3. Submit the Primary Program Booking Request form 
    4. Check your confirmation email to ensure your booking details are correct. All changes must be requested in writing   
    5. Please see Excursion Information tab to plan your visit 

    Bookings are essential for all excursions to Kings Park, including guided and self-guided programs and special events. Bookings are also required for all informal visits by school groups (including picnics and playtime) to ensure your safety in an emergency. 

    We recommend making your booking at least one month in advance, due to the popularity of our programs. 

    Wetlands resources

    Get tips on investigating the health of a wetland ecosystem. Watch the 'Healthy Wetlands' video on YouTube.

    Read 'Discovering wetlands in Australia – a primary classroom resource' by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (Australian Government) to learn even more about wetlands.

    Participate in a citizen science program. Download the National Waterbug Blitz app and investigate how healthy your local waterways and wetlands are.

    Discover what lives in the water and make your own underwater viewer. Use the National Waterbug Blitz app and your underwater viewer to discover the diversity of macroinvertebrates living in wetlands.

    Watch the 'Kep Katitjin' video on YouTube.

    Please bring enough adults to ensure student safety. The recommended adult to student ratio for Kings Park Education excursions are:   

    • Kindergarten 1:4 
    • PP - Year 2 1:5 
    • Year 3-6 1:6 
    • Year 7-8 1:10 
    • Year 9-10 1:15 
    • Year 11-12 1:30 

    Arrive at least 20 minutes before your program is due to start. Please note, your program will be cut short if you are late. 

    Provide students and adult helpers with advice on suitable outdoor clothing and items to bring. We recommend students wear their sports uniforms, closed-in shoes, a hat, and bring a raincoat in case of wet weather. Please bring water bottles, lunch/recess, insect repellent, sunscreen and a first aid kit. To prevent foraging by hungry birds we recommend students use individual backpacks. 

    Kings Park Education is a popular choice for school excursions. 

    Please take care when selecting your program and booking date as some, or all, of the fees may still apply if you chose to cancel the booking. 

    If you do decide to cancel the booking, please provide at least 30 days’ notice for school programs so that we can offer another group the opportunity to visit. 

    Unless there are exceptional circumstances, failure to provide the required notice will incur a minimum booking fee of $150.00 per class. Schools that do not provide any notice of cancellation and fail to attend on the day will be charged the full booking fee. 

    Kings Park and Botanic Garden and Bold Park are outdoor venues. Programs will go ahead in most weather conditions. In cases of Severe Weather Warnings, Total Fire Bans or Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings, Kings Park Education programs and events may be cancelled prior to or on the day of the excursion by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA). In this instance the BGPA will contact all booked groups. If the program cannot be rescheduled to another date, a full refund will be provided. 

    In cases of a Severe Weather Warning, Total Fire Ban, Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating, Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park and Bold Park will be closed to all visitors.